LM#15: 6 Tips For Leading Meetings
Introverts don't need to be scared, they're at an advantage.
I have a confession to make.
I would like to admit I was wrong.
It would appear I wasn’t quite right about introverts.
As one, this is slightly disappointing, but I am learning each day.
I long held the belief that the difference between introverts and extroverts was down to how each group manage energy usage.
This is actually incorrect.
Since reading more on the subject (do check out Susan Cain’s amazing book here) I have discovered this is not the case.
Well more accurately, not the sole factor.
Rather than energy balance, the difference maker is stimulation.
As I learned from Susan Cain’s 2012 TED talk, introversion is different from shyness.
I had confused the two.
She explains:
“Introversion is different from being shy. Shyness is about fear of social judgment. Introversion is more about, how do you respond to stimulation, including social stimulation.”
This was new to me.
I thought how introverts & extroverts deal with energy demands was the distinction.
This would appear to not be the case.
Cain goes further by stating:
“That’s what makes us different from extroverts, who ‘crave large amounts of stimulation’. It’s not that introverts are afraid to lead meetings -- or speak in public, sing with a punk band, or go to parties alone. The distinction is how we prepare for or function in those situations.”
That’s when I had my own lightbulb moment.
Being able to connect my own dots showed that stimulation was driving factor.
This is why I have been anxious on the way to social events asking, “what time we are expecting to leave?” before even arriving.
It was my fear of being able to deal with prolonged heightened stimulation, that caused the worry.
It now made sense.
In a work context, leading a meeting as an introvert can be a truly scary experience.
Walking into the room, everyone turns, all eyes fixed on you.
“Oh heck” you think.
You are in the spotlight. But this is your chance to shine.
Doesn’t mean it isn’t terrifying though.
That said, there is no reason why you can’t nail leading meetings as an introvert.
I actually would argue that introverts make better leaders (but will leave that for another day).
With that in mind, here are 6 tips to run an effective meeting:
1. Know Where You Stand
First things first, do you now where you are on the introvert / extrovert spectrum?
This week’s newsletter is going to be most helpful for those who know, don’t think or don’t want to accept they’re introverts.
That’s why confirming where you land on the spectrum is a great start.
To find out where you are, take this free short quiz created by organisational psychologist Adam Grant here.
2. Prepare In Advance
It’s fair to say that introverts often need time to prepare their thoughts.
So when it comes to meetings, being able to send out the agenda in advance puts you at an advantage.
Not only is this good practice, you are by design creating a more inclusive meeting.
Introverts tend to pay a lot more attention to the meaning of their thought & actions.
But requires more preparation time.
This is when being the leader of the meeting is a positive.
You have the luxury of time.
You can plan it, think about it and put the appropriate consideration in place.
This is really an opportunity for introverts to gain an advantage.
3. First Things First
If we know that this meeting is going to drain our energy, preparing for the discussion is a must.
The trick here is to discuss the most important thing first. This is of the topic you are most passionate about.
This means you can give it your best.
By addressing the most important agenda item first means you have full reserves of both energy and stimulation readiness.
I would suggest leaving the ‘easier’ items to the back end of the meeting. Things like reminders, quick updates etc. can be brought up when your energy levels are lower.
Pro Tip:
If you are struggling but there are still ideas to be shared, try this:
Take some notes
Share your thoughts later in a debrief or summary email
This will save your energy during the meeting.
4. Be Brutal With Invites
Introverts tend to value quality over quantity in social situations.
Meetings are no different.
There is a tendency for individuals to forward on invites. This is a pet hate.
As introverts prefer quality interactions with fewer people, invite only those who are essential to the discussion.
The benefit to fewer people means reduced likelihood of over stimulation.
The quality of the discussion may also be much better.
If nothing else, you can make it a really effective and on-topic meeting.
Win win.
Pro Tip:
If there is no way of reducing the numbers in the meeting, break the group up into small groups.
This helps with idea generation and working through certain issues.
Also means you don’t have to worry about prolonged overstimulation from a large group.
5. Send A Debrief
The time after the meeting is just as important as the time before the meeting.
Once the meeting has finished, spend a few minutes to debrief what has happened.
Remember, introverts have a wonderful ability to distil large amounts of information, it just takes longer to do so than extroverts.
I would recommend sending a summary note.
This can include the pertinent points discussed, documenting any actions and next steps.
This is a great opportunity for you to add any further commentary you also didn’t bring up in person.
6. Schedule Decompression Time
It may be helpful to block out time immediately after ‘big’ meetings.
When we know there is going to be a high stimulation situation, being able to decompress after is really important.
Think of this as your recharge time.
The human equivalent of plugging your iPhone into charge.
Be protective over your time.
This is easier in a position of authority.
Great energy management is a game changer when performed well.
The point is to become more empower.
By being aware of what influences your ability to perform, you can go forward with a renewed sense of confidence.
I have no doubt you will be great.
With that, see you next week.